Australian Viral Film “The Tunnel” to Make Movie History, Premiering on 100+ Million Screens this May

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., (May 13, 2011); BitTorrent, Inc., a leading innovator creating advanced technologies to efficiently move large files across the Internet, announced today that “The Tunnel” will be the first Australian film release selected for BitTorrent’s Artist Spotlight program, promising worldwide distribution through the company’s two software products – BitTorrent Mainline and the iconic µTorrent.

“The buzz around this film is astonishing,” said Shahi Ghanem, chief strategist at BitTorrent. “These progressive Australian filmmakers have captured the public’s imagination by funding the project through an entirely new model: the sale of single frames. This affords them the freedom to allow the world to openly enjoy and share the film. We are very excited to be a part of this new chapter in history. We hear only a few frames are left for sale, so we encourage our users to act fast.”

“We are really excited about our partnership with BitTorrent and their ongoing support of independent artists. The BitTorrent technology provides a direct connection to a massive audience all around the globe. It is a definitely a new and exciting distribution path for independent filmmakers who have a story that they want people to see” said co-producers/writers Enzo Tedeschi and Julian Harvey.

“The Tunnel” will debut on BitTorrent on May 18th. People may download the film free via BitTorrent’s App Studio, purchase frames, view trailers, read more about the film’s background and connect with the filmmakers on social media. BitTorrent will also promote the film on BitTorrent.com and µTorrent.com, as well as feature the film to new users who download either software product. “The Tunnel” will also be featured on Vodo.net, a UK-based company dedicated to helping independent filmmakers leverage the benefits of the global file sharing community.

“To see movies such as ours welcomed into the BitTorrent ecosystem marks a significant step in the adoption of the technology as a legitimate film distribution platform. And whilst we might be the first Australian film, I have a feeling we certainly won’t be the last,” said executive producer and marketing director, Ahmed Salama of DLSHS.”

“The Tunnel” has received significant attention from mainstream media around the world and was a hit at the A Night Of Horror Film Festival in March. It’s a classic horror film set amidst abandoned underground train tunnels beneath Sydney's CBD. In 2008, chasing rumours of a government cover-up and urban legends surrounding the sudden backflip, investigative journalist Natasha Warner led a crew of four into the underground labyrinth.

They went down into the tunnels looking for a story – until the story found them.

“The Tunnel” chronicles their harrowing ordeal. With unprecedented access to the recently declassified tapes the crew shot in the claustrophobic subway tunnels, as well as a series of candid interviews with the survivors, viewers come face to face with the terrifying truth.

This never before seen footage takes viewers deep inside the tunnels bringing the darkness to life and capturing the raw fear that threatens to tear the crew apart, leaving each one of them fighting for their lives.

“The Tunnel” has already partnered with traditional Australian distributors – with a DVD release through Transmission Films and its world TV premiere on Showtime Premiere, May 18th at 10:35 p.m.

About BitTorrent
BitTorrent creates advanced, innovative technologies to efficiently move large files across the Internet. The company’s two main products today include the original BitTorrent software and the tiny-but-mighty µTorrent, which combined boast over 100+ million users. BitTorrent is based in San Francisco, Calif. For more information, visit www.bittorrent.com, and follow on Twitter @bittorrent, or Facebook.